With the GLIAC postseason just weeks away, Lake Superior State beat Davenport 99-79 in a clash that felt every bit like a high-stakes playoff matchup. And the win sent the Lakers into fourth in the GLIAC standings - and a home playoff position - with just three regular season games remaining.

The Lakers (15-11, 9-8 GLIAC) took a 46-37 lead into halftime over Davenport (13-12, 7-10 GLIAC), but the Panthers clawed their way back in with an energetic start to the second half. DU even managed to take a brief lead with just over two minutes gone in the half.

Sparks flew at the Bud Cooper Gymnasium. With coaches shouting at each other and a zesty crowd on hand, Sault Ste. Marie saw one of the best atmospheres in the GLIAC this season, and the game had every ingredient for a spicy finish. WIth 12:53 left, DU's Curtis Jackson stole the ball and scored a layup, cutting the Laker lead to 59-56. He scored his next points three minutes later, but the Laker lead had grown a bit to 67-59. Drew Hess had hit a three and Tyler Jamison's and-one fired up the crowd.

When Jackson scored another field goal three and a half minutes after that, it was a very different game. With 5:39 left, the Lakers held an 85-62 lead after a 26-6 run. Jackson's three shots were the only field goals the Panthers had hit, with just two made free throws mixed in during the seven-minute span. Lake State had steamrolled the Panthers offensively and defensively, turning in a dominant finish and a massive statement coming into Saturday's game against 15th ranked Grand Valley State.

LSSU has now won four in a row and sports a 10-3 home record this season.

Omar Suleiman scored 21 points for LSSU, scoring four of his six three-point shots. He led six double-digit scorers for LSSU. Karter Richards scored 19, nearing a triple-double with six rebounds and seven assists. Nino Carter-Smith scored 13 with three rebounds, five assists and five steals.

Davenport turned the ball over 23 times, with the Lakers recording 16 steals. LSSU outscored DU 29-6 off of turnovers, and the Lakers registered 22 assists. LSSU also shot 51.7% from deep, as the team continues its excellent shooting form from behind the arc.

Thursday's game was another thrilling show at the Bud Cooper Gym, which has seen an incredible run of great basketball games this season. The Lakers host GVSU in a huge GLIAC game on Saturday at 3:00 PM for Senior Day and Alumni Weekend, with Fan Appreciation events presented by 4Front Credit Union. It's the final home game of the regular season. The Lakers will recognize their seniors and alumni after the Women's Basketball game, which begins at 1:00 PM, and prior to the Men's Basketball game. Buy your tickets online or at the Norris Center box office.